Dead Reckoning and Navigational Adjustments

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this section, pilots should be able to:

Determine the alteration of heading or HDG(M) to:
- Intercept track at a nominated point
- Maintain track once the track is intercepted
- Parallel track
Establish a Dead Reckoning (DR) position using the latest track (TR) and groundspeed (GS).

Intercepting, Maintaining, and Parallel Tracking

Intercepting a Track

To successfully intercept a track, a pilot must:

Tune and Identify: Confirm navigation aids using radio frequencies and listening for Morse code identifiers. Ensure the navigation instrument (e.g., VOR indicator) and the OBS (Omni Bearing Selector) are correctly aligned.
Intercept Angle: Calculate a suitable intercept angle. A typical intercept angle may be 30° to 45° depending on the aircraft’s speed and wind conditions. Larger angles may be necessary if deviations are significant.
Maneuvering: Adjust heading towards the track to intersect at the nominated point. Utilize the course deviation indicator (CDI) for visual feedback.

Maintaining a Track

Once on track, maintaining position involves:

Wind Correction: Continuously adjust for wind drift using either the E6B flight computer or manual calculations. The aircraft’s heading may require small corrections to stay aligned with the track.
Monitor Instruments: Regularly check instruments, ensuring corrections keep the aircraft on course. Familiarize yourself with techniques such as reverse sensing where applicable.

Parallel Tracking

Parallel tracking involves flying a course parallel to the original track. This may be necessary due to airspace restrictions or weather diversions. Steps include:

Determine Parallel Heading: Use parallel offset, usually a few nautical miles to the side, based on flight requirements or regulations.
Recalculate Wind Correction: As the position changes relative to the wind, adjust corrections to stay equidistant from the original track.
Maintain Visual Reference or Instrument Guidance: Depending on navigation aids availability, use either VOR radial offsets or visual land references to sustain parallel tracking.

Establishing a Dead Reckoning Position

Definition and Principles

Dead Reckoning (DR) is a navigation strategy that calculates current position based on a previous known position, the course travelled, and speed over a given time.

Steps to Establish DR Position

Record Position and Time: Mark the current position and time using navigation charts or logs.
Calculate Groundspeed (GS): Using an E6B or equivalent flight computer, determine groundspeed based on TAS (True Airspeed), wind speed, and direction.
Track (TR) Estimation: Use the latest known track and adjust for any deviations due to wind and other factors. This involves recalculating based on actual versus expected location over time.
Position Calculation: Combine known elements (speed, time, direction) to estimate current location.

Integrating Dead Reckoning with Pilotage

Check Visual Landmarks: Blend dead reckoning calculations with visual observations, known as pilotage, for verification.
Position Verification: Use VOR cross radials if visual cues are insufficient, particularly in regions lacking distinct landmarks.

Conclusion

This section equips pilots with the skills and knowledge required for practical navigation concerning intercepting and maintaining tracks, parallel tracking, and utilizing dead reckoning to determine flight position. By mastering these techniques, pilots will enhance their navigation precision and operational safety.

For further reading and exercises on these topics, consider the materials and guides referenced:

These resources offer comprehensive coverage and practice techniques beneficial for aspiring pilots.